My Wedding DJ Cancelled at the Last Minute
Unfortunately, wedding DJs do cancel at the last minute. Obviously, there are unforeseen circumstances, such as an accident on the way to the wedding or any number of last minute tragedies that can occur. For the sake of this discussion, let us assume that you are given enough time to book anotherwedding reception DJ, what should you as a bride and groom do to find the best possible replacement? First ask anyone involved with your wedding for recommendations.
Seasoned wedding professionals work with a variety of fellow vendors and those that are a cut above the rest are the ones that they remember. There are so many wedding vendors involved in my wedding, but typically there is one vendor who has the most similar tastes and sensibilities as you and your fiancé. I suggest you ask as many sources as possible and determine if multiple vendors recommend the same DJ, which is always a good sign.
1. Q: Who is the first person that I should ask for a last minute replacement for a wedding DJ? A: Ask your wedding planner for their top three favorite wedding DJs. An experienced wedding planner has built up an extensive list of wedding vendors to call upon so, use their knowledge to your advantage for qualified leads.
2. Q: What If we don’t have a wedding planner? A: Ask your contact at your reception location for their list of qualified Dj’s. The day of coordinator or the banquet manager, works closely with DJ’s on a weekly basis, therefore they know the best and most reliable wedding Disc Jockies/MC’s. There is the added bonus that these Dj’s have experience working at your reception location.
3. Q: What if we are getting married at a private residence or a location that doesn’t have an onsite coordinator? A: Wedding Photographers are another excellent source for DJ’s. The DJ and Photographer work closely throughout a reception to coordinate the grand entrance, first dance, toasts etc., so wedding photographers know which DJ’s are particularly good at keeping them in the loop with the schedule of events, as well as which DJ kept the dance floor packed throughout the event. The ideas is to ask a source that has the most direct contact with a wedding Disc Jockey for a referral.
4. Q: We have booked a band but, don’t have a DJ for our wedding reception.
A: If you have booked a band and a DJ at your wedding ceremony and reception, ask the band leader for their recommendation. You might be surprised how often a band and a DJ work together at a wedding. Once again tap into the network of a seasoned wedding professional.
The impetus for this particular blog came from a situation in which a band and DJ were booked for a wedding and the DJ dropped out a week before the event. I have known the band leader, Jean Paul Monsche, for over 20 years and we have worked together at a variety of events. I was available on their wedding day, worked with the bride and groom’s budget, and it was one of the most fun and unusual weddings I have ever done. It’s not every day that you share the stage with such an incredible band, a live Golden Eagle, and a Cheetah. I will go into more detail about Clare and Doug’s wedding at The San Diego Zoo Safari Park in an upcoming blog.
Jean Paul’s website: gettherightmusic.com
Wedding Info for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park: SanDiegoZoo.org
Photography: lukegoodman.com
Picture of DJ Console Courtesy of Manufacturer:
hoerboard.com